A elderly Libby man guilty of prostitution and disorderly conduct earlier this year is now lodged in the county jail on a sexual assault charge.

Robert Eugene McClure, 81, pleaded not guilty Sept. 21 in Libby City Court to one misdemeanor count of sexual assault, first offense. His next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. Nov. 12 in front of Judge Jay Sheffield.

His bail is set at $25,000. A conviction could result in a six-month jail term and a $500 fine.

In the affidavit of probable cause, Libby police officer Seth Power reported he was called to a parking lot at about 6:24 p.m. Sept. 19 after a wheelchair bound man was touched in the genital area by an older man with a walker, later identified as McClure.

The alleged victim told Ofc. Power he and McClure were talking and entering the campground of Fireman Park when the accused grabbed him in his groin area. The man backed away and drove off in his electric wheelchair.

The man said he felt violated and “just awful, I didn’t like it.” The man said he wanted to press charges.

Power saw McClure in the park’s parking lot and the alleged victim confirmed it was he that touched him. When Power spoke to McClure, he denied it. 

In the earlier cases, both misdemeanors, McClure pleaded guilty in Libby City Court. He spent two days in the Lincoln County Detention Center and was fined $285 on the prostitution charge. In the disorderly conduct case, court officials said McClure agreed to make scheduled payments on a fine.

 McClure was given a 180-day sentence in the prostitution case and 178 days were suspended. He could be returned to custody and a possible driver’s license suspension if he fails to remain law abiding or pay his fines by Feb. 16, 2027. 

According to the charging document, the prostitution charge was filed in August after McClure offered to perform oral sex on another man for $20. Libby police officer Seth Power was dispatched to the city cemetery at 1:18 p.m. Aug. 8 when the victim called to report an older man approached him and made sexual advances.

The victim declined McClure’s offer. While walking away from the defendant, the victim heard him say he was just trying to make $20. The victim pointed out McClure and Power arrested him.

The disorderly conduct case occurred just after midnight June 18.

City police officer Caleb Thomas first responded to McClure’s residence at about 8 p.m. the evening before when three citizens said he was yelling and throwing items around the apartment.

Thomas gave McClure a verbal warning and the accused agreed to stay in his room.

The next call occurred about four hours later when McClure’s wife said he was yelling, knocking over items and making a mess. Ofc. Thomas saw a potted plant, kitchen utensils, pots and pans scattered across the living room and kitchen.

He then arrested McClure.